Martina Navratilova demanded action from US Open organisers after Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov were distracted by a “disturbing” glare during their semi-final.
Zverev progressed to his third consecutive Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium, although the scoreline did not reflect the disruption both players encountered.
Sunlight reflecting from the doors of unfinished hospitality suites caused bright flashes to sweep across the court whenever spectators entered or left.
Zverev complained that the glare made striking the ball a “lottery”, prompting Navratilova to urge tournament chiefs to find a solution before Sunday’s final.
“This is disturbing; they need to fix it,” the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion said.
Former British player Laura Robson, who watched the match from courtside, explained how the unusual problem developed.
“There was a lot going on,” Robson said.
“But what happened was that, at a certain part of the day, the new suites which haven’t been fully finished yet.
Martina Navratilova demanded action from US Open organisers after Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov were distracted by a “disturbing” glare during their semi-final
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“There is still quite a temporary finish on some of the doors, and so the sun hitting them was producing such a massive glint.
“So every time someone opened the door, you get that swooping around on the court. The players initially were trying to figure out what was going on.”
Robson revealed that the chair umpire initially identified one hospitality suite as the source. However, the glare shifted around the stadium as the sun moved.
“I don’t know what the resolution is; maybe we will see someone paint them by Sunday!” she added.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA
Navratilova suggested placing a covering over the doors could prevent the problem from affecting future matches.
“Maybe they’re going to put some film over the doors, because this is going to be an ongoing problem!” she said.
“People shouldn’t do it during a point, but when you’re up there, you’re not disturbing anything; it’s the door that’s the problem.
“I think they’ll solve it.”
The issue was compounded by spectators moving around the lower sections of the stadium at crucial moments.
Robson was particularly stunned to see people entering the seating area during the second-set tiebreak, despite there being no changeover.
“I just thought it was absolutely wild,” she said. “I was looking straight ahead of me and at 3-2 in the breaker, not even a changeover, you’ve got people coming in the sides.
“I understand there is freedom of movement in certain areas of the stadium, but this was low in the bowl. Yes, it’s on the sides, but it’s absolutely still noticeable to the players.
Alexander Zverev consoles Karen Khachanov at the net following their US Open match | REUTERS
“So I think there’s got to be a little bit of fine-tuning here.”
Despite the distractions, Zverev maintained his composure to extend his run of consecutive sets won at Flushing Meadows to 13.
Navratilova praised the top seed for overcoming a difficult beginning to the tournament and believes his tennis has improved considerably.
“He started off badly by his own admission, but after that, he relaxed, and hasn’t lost a set in his last four matches; he’s cooking,” she said.
